"5.3 Social and Environmental Justice in Hawaii"

Desperate poverty is faced on our beautiful islands of Hawaii.  Although the islands are not portrayed like it really is; it's real.  We have so many homeless, jobless and people in need here in Hawaii.  What's wrong with homeless and jobless if they are able to survive.  That is what they know:  catch their own food, take care of their children, grow, trade and help one another.  I recently visited Waianae in O'ahu last month and seen with my own eyes what is going on. I was so surprised to see what was really going on in Hawaii.  I did not know this was a such a problem and always thought that we did not have this problem as much as the other countries.  I had thoughts of what is portrayed too;  Hawaii is a great place, a beautiful place and a place that wants to be visited by tourists around the world. Our native people have been affected since 1893 when our land was overthrown by the government.  It was done illegally and still the government continues to ruin the land, the people and their values.  They have caused destruction and the people are hurting.  They are being moved and not being able to remain on their land.  It is getting worst and I hope that something gets done really soon that will take back what was given to us.  It is a really sad story and the Hawaiian culture will soon be lost if nothing happens.  The military have taken over and the families are suffering.  Even though I am not involved with sovereignty, I feel that the people have a right to what has been and a right to get back what is legally theirs.  Self sufficiency is a principle that is followed by the people and that is being taken away too.  This situation is out of control....The Hawaiian culture will soon be gone and it seems that what the government wants they will have because of the power and control that they have possessed.  The Hawaiians will not stop fighting ever and they need to keep trying to get what is theirs.  This assignment has really made me realize that we've been violated and we need to fight harder than ever.  It makes me realize more and more what the government has done.